Jesus said in Matthew 28: 19 go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always to the close of the age. Jesus does not leave us to go alone and he wants everyone to join. Matthew 9:37 says the harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few.
Jesus however cautioned that the mission would not be easy. Matthew 10:16 says I send you out as sheep amidst wolves; so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. Some of us have given upon this mission because of its challenges. Matthew 24: 22; Mark 13: 20 says if those days had not been shortened, no human being would be saved, but for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened. We must know our terrain so we can be effective for Christ. What do we need to know?
Who is Jesus Christ?
Jesus Christ is that Lamb of God whom God has ordained to save mankind by his blood as a lasting covenant with God. Revelation 5: 12 says worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing. The Song of Solomon 2: 2 says I (Jesus) am a rose of Sharon, a lily of the valleys. In Hebrew, the rose of Sharon was a bright colourful sweet fragrance flower for a perfect landscaping so Jesus stands as a perfect decoration for our souls. Lily of the valley also stood for humility and purity of heart and soul and Jesus symbolizes exactly that.
Solomon 2: 3 also says as an apple tree among the trees of the wood, so is my beloved among young men. With great delight I sat in his shadow, and his fruit was sweet to my taste. From Jesus comes the sweetest of delight in God. He is the sweetest fruit bearing tree among trees. Jesus said in Revelation 22: 16, I am the root and the offspring of David, the bright morning star. It means only Jesus gives light to our day to drive away the darkness of life. So, 1 John 4: 14 says and we have seen and testify that the Father has sent his Son as the Saviour of the world. For his excellent work, Acts 5: 31 says God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Saviour, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins.
What is in Jesus’ name?
Matthew 1:21 says and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. Matthew 16: 16 says you are Christ, the Son of the living God (anointed one). Therefore Jesus Christ means the anointed Son who is the Savior of mankind from darkness to his marvelous light; from death to life; from shame to glory. Referring to prophecy, Matthew 1:23 says his name shall be called Emmanuel (which means, God with us).
The prophecy confirmed Jesus’ divinity by his name. It means God has come to dwell among mankind. Matthew 23: 8 says but you are not to be called rabbi, for you have one teacher, and you are all brethren. John 20: 16 says Rabboni (which means Teacher). Jesus is the teacher to show the way to the Father in truth. In his name is the truth and power of direction towards God.
Why should we know Jesus Christ?
We do not want to perish but have everlasting lives. Hosea 4:6 says my people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Jesus said in John 10: 10 I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. Luke 19: 10 says for the Son of man came to seek and to save the lost. We shall be spiritually lost and dead without Jesus Christ. So he is our insurance against the day of final evil. He also makes for a better companion and friendship. John 15: 15 says no longer do I call you servants, for the servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends, for all that I have heard from my Father I have made known to you.
Jesus loves us so much we cannot explain. John 3:15-16 says for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life. We must soldier on because of his infinite love. Revelation 2:10 says be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life. James 4: 7 says submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Are we in any battles?
Ephesians 6:12 says we are not contending against flesh and blood but against principalities and powers and rulers of darkness and spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. We are in a spiritual warfare and Jesus is our captain in battle. We also battle against worldly pleasures of life. So, James 4: 4 says do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. Worldly pleasures are not for God’s delight.
The nature and types of our weapons in battle have been succinctly described in 2 Corinthians 10: 3-5 which say for though we live in the world we are not carrying on a worldly war, for the weapons of our warfare are not worldly but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every proud obstacle to the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ. The name of the weapon is Jesus Christ. Just call the name and you will be glad you did.
Who aids us in battle?
1 Samuel 17:47 says for the battle is the Lord’s. Exodus 14: 14 says the Lord will fight for you, and you have only to be still. Jeremiah 1: 19 says they will fight against you; but they shall not prevail against you, for I am with you, says the Lord, to deliver you. Psalms 91: 7-8 says a thousand (arrows) shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come near you. You will only look with your eyes and see the recompense of the wicked.
Luke 10:19 I have given you authority to tread upon serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy; and nothing shall hurt you. Our security is in Christ Jesus always. We must be aware that the devil, the enemy, operates subtly as a crafty spirit. 2 Corinthians 11:14 says and no wonder, for even Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. 1 Peter 5:8 says be sober, be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.
Matthew 7:15 says beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. John 10:10 says the thief comes only to steal and to kill and to destroy. He is the accuser of the brethren in Revelation 12: 10. He is a serpent meaning he is vicious and harmful in Genesis 3: 3-4. As we go out to engage in our respective activities, let us always be reminded of Jesus’ words that we are sheep to face wolves hence we need heavenly strength, grace and wisdom.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, we have resolved to engage in your mission. In whatever situation we find ourselves, retool us with divine wisdom, knowledge and understanding of your word as we encounter the wolves out there. Protect, guard and comfort us, our great and good shepherd on this mission of life. Blessed Jesus, let your light show us the way. In your precious name we pray, Amen!!
